USA Viral Politics

FLASHBACK: “Racist” Republicans issue first medal of honor to African-American

FLASHBACK: “Racist” Republicans issue first medal of honor to African-American

Calling conservatives and Republicans “racist” seems to be the go-to tactic out of the leftist playbook. The facts, however, tell a very different story. In fact, it is Republicans who have historically made great strides for the African-American community.

The story of William Carney is just one example.

Carney’s father was a slave who eventually made his way to freedom by following the Underground Railroad. After arriving in Massachusetts, Carney’s father earned enough money to purchase his wife and son’s freedom as well.

William later decided to go into ministry, but the Civil War interrupted his pursuit. Instead, he felt that God could use him best in the military, and he decided to enlist with the Union troops.

In March of 1863, Carney was assigned to Company C, 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry Regiment. Along with 40 other African-American men, this company was the first official Union black unit.

54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment

Carney and his company were assigned to South Carolina, where on July 18 he and his fellow soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts were told to scale the walls of the Confederate Fort Wagner.

The film “Glory” depicts the incredible battle.

During the fighting, Carney saw that the unit’s color guard was wounded, and the American flag was almost touching the ground. In a desperate attempt to keep the flag upright, Carney rushed over and grabbed it.

William Carney Holding the United States Flag

With flag in hand, Carney rushed up to the wall, encouraging his fellow soldiers to follow him into the fight.

Despite the chaos, Carney was able to plant the flag at the base of the fort and angle it upward for his whole unit to see.

Carney suffered major blood loss during the fight, but it is said that he never allowed the flag to touch the ground. “Boys, the old flag never touched the ground,” he said.

Carney exhibited an act of patriotic bravery that was an example to both whites and blacks fighting for the Union. As a result of that bravery, it was a Republican President William McKinley who issued the Medal of Honor to Carney for his “extraordinary heroism.”

Liberals love to tout how racist Republicans are, but they often forget about stories like these. They forget that it was a Republican president who freed the slaves, and a Republican Congress who pushed the Civil Rights Acts through.

Sorry Dems, you may call yourselves the champions of African-American civil liberties, but it’s Republicans who have long stood beside African-Americans. Democrats are also the ones who called Ben Carson a “Black White Nationalist.”

You can keep your history of racist comments — we’ll hold on to stories such as this one about a hero by the name of William Carney.